His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, has on Monday, 11th August 2025 reaffirmed, alongside His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d’Ivoire, a strong commitment to bolstering the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and reviving the Mano River Union.
The pledge came during President Bio’s one-day working visit to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, part of his ongoing regional tour of ECOWAS Member States in his capacity as Chairman.
Following a closed-door meeting, President Alassane Ouattara hailed President Bio as a “close friend” and reiterated Côte d’Ivoire’s full support for his leadership of ECOWAS. While acknowledging the serious challenges facing the sub-region, President Alassane Ouattara expressed confidence in President Bio’s capacity to tackle them effectively. He also welcomed President Bio’s initiative to foster stronger ties between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
In his remarks, President Bio stressed that his regional tour is part of a broader mission to unite and strengthen ECOWAS. He cited the security concerns and the withdrawal of AES member states as major hurdles inherited upon assuming office, underscoring the importance of engaging with those nations to maintain cooperation.
“We must strive to keep close ties with AES nations and foster collaboration,” President Bio affirmed, adding that discussions with President Alassane Ouattara also centred on deepening regional integration and advancing institutional reforms to address pressing challenges.
President Bio further praised the people of Côte d’Ivoire for their steadfast support to Sierra Leone, particularly during its peacebuilding process, describing their solidarity as a cornerstone of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
